By Randy Garrison

I wanted to take a few minutes of your time to update you on the current situation with COVID-19 and our city services and operations.
Beginning May 4, City Hall doors reopened for business transactions. We ask that only one person at a time come into the lobby area to transact business or seek any assistance needed. This includes getting a business license or building permits, as well as seeking information.

The municipal court will also be accepting payments in person, as well as handling other actions that might need to be addressed. Please limit to one person at a time in the lobby for court, as well.

All business transactions will need to be handled through the security windows at both the administration and reception counters and the municipal court counter. 

City Hall office areas will not be open to visitors in the employee section of the building; however, if you need to speak with anyone at City Hall, arrangements will made to accommodate you and find a way to make it happen.

Garage sale permits will not be issued at the current time; this will be reevaluated May 15 after the governor’s next update.
Please contact Hartselle Parks & Recreation at 256–773–2581 for information about selling at the Farmer’s Market.

The William Bradford Huie Library is still closed to the public; however, the staff is still working, so please call 256–773–9880 if you need information.

The Sparkman Civic Center, SNAP Playground, park playgrounds, Aquatic Center and athletic fields are all still closed to the public at the current time.

Both the library and civic center opening dates will be reevaluated May 15 after the governor’s update.

All spring league sports have been cancelled, and refunds or credits will be issued when requested. Please email hproffice@hartselle.org to receive your refund for this season.  

While this was a hard decision, I believe it was best at this time. We anticipate being able to have pickup–type games later this summer for those who would like to participate. More details will follow later.

A decision for the opening date of the Aquatic Center will be made within the next two weeks. At this time, it does not appear the pool will be able to open by Memorial Day; however, plans are being made to open for the season at a late date. We will update again after May 15.

All emergency services are on duty and ready to serve. Hartselle Fire and Rescue stations are not open to the public. Please call Station 1 at 256–773–2545 if you need non-emergency information or help. As always, dial 911 for emergencies.

All public works and sanitation services are back at full staff. Brush pickup is still running slightly behind because of the reduced staff for the month of April and the increased amount of cleanup of shrubbery during the stay–at–home order. However, we will get all of the shrubbery, limbs and other tree trimmings picked up soon and catch up with our schedules. 

All decisions that have been made during the past several weeks have been made with the safety and well-being of you all, our citizens and City of Hartselle employees. 

Your patience, appreciation, kind words and prayers have been greatly appreciated. We are all looking forward to and waiting patiently for the “new normal” that will allow our lives to resume usual activities.

We also appreciate our businesses that have found new ways to service their customers and remain open when allowed by health orders. Also, thanks to the many churches and individuals who have reached out to help those in need and find ways to serve their neighbors during this time. Several churches have provided food for first responders and medical personnel.

Several of our businesses have also provided food for those in need, as well as those on the front lines of this pandemic; to those we say thank you also.

We are looking forward to the time all of our businesses are able to reopen and serve their customers.

I am proud of our city for the way we have responded during a highly unusual time in our history. I believe that your actions have helped greatly to keep numbers of those infected lower. Also, in faith I believe the many prayers offered for our community have put a hedge of protection around all of us. 

We are Hartselle strong, and I thank you for allowing me to serve you.

Please reach out by phone, 256–773–2535, or email, rgarrison@hartselle.org, if I or others at the City of Hartselle can be of help to you.